A previously unseen introduction of Brock Lesnar from WWESummerSlam 2002 has emerged online, spotlighting Paul Heyman’s confident assertions about Lesnar’s impending victory over The Rock. This WWE SummerSlam Brock Lesnar intro highlights how Lesnar was positioned to dominate the event, setting the stage for a historic moment in wrestling history.
Brock Lesnar’s Meteoric Rise in WWE Before SummerSlam 2002
In 2002, Brock Lesnar arrived on the WWE main roster with the persona known as the “Next Big Thing.” Quickly establishing himself as a dominant force, he secured victories over Mark Henry, The Hardy Boyz, Edge, and Rikishi, building momentum that culminated in triumph at the 2002 King of the Ringtournament. Lesnar defeated Bubba Ray Dudley, Booker T, and Test en route to the finals, where he bested Rob Van Dam to secure the tournament’s top spot.
His momentum earned him a WWE Undisputed Championshipmatch against The Rock at SummerSlam 2002. At just 25 years old, Lesnar defeated The Rock to claim the WWE title, marking a significant milestone both for his career and WWE’s evolving landscape.
Paul Heyman’s Confident Predictions in the Newly Surfaced Intro
The resurfaced clip features Paul Heyman’s voiceover, boldly predicting Lesnar’s supremacy over The Rock at SummerSlam. Heyman’s narration warns the champion of what’s to come, ending with a striking message:
Image of: SummerSlam
“Welcome to the real world, Rock. The Next Big Thing has arrived.”
—Paul Heyman
This rare from-2002 WWE SummerSlam Brock Lesnar intro gives fans a glimpse into the promotional intensity surrounding Lesnar’s rise, offering context to the enthusiasm that surrounded his match and championship win.
Industry Insider David Sahadi Shares Insights on the Clip
David Sahadi, a well-known WWE executive, confirmed the clip’s authenticity on social media, explaining that The Rock initially did not favor the opening segment shortly before the event. Sahadi noted the clip’s significance to wrestling fans, encouraging them to view it and hear the full backstory on a dedicated podcast.
“I told @DerekSabato that there was a #WWE SummerSlam open from 2002 that the Rock decided he wasn’t a fan of right before the show. I found it! Check it out now and hear the whole story at the link below from @WatchPodHeat #WWERaw #WWERawonNetflix pic.twitter.com/wMiZi1AsO6”
—David Sahadi
Paul Heyman Discusses Brock Lesnar’s Recent WWE Return
Paul Heyman recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show to discuss Brock Lesnar’s WWEreturn at a SummerSlam event just weeks prior. Heyman revealed that the deal was finalized quickly and shared his perspective on the reception from fans and critics alike.
“That happened real quick. A couple weeks. I mean, at least to my knowledge, I got tagged into it after the deal was done… Everything in life is met with criticism, I don’t pay attention to that. I don’t pay attention to it. He’s here.”
—Paul Heyman
Heyman went on to describe the overwhelming excitement Lesnar’s return generated at MetLife Stadium, emphasizing fan approval as the measure of success.
“That’s the reality of the fact. He’s here, and if you were in MetLife Stadium on Sunday, you would understand that return meant a lot. That audience was jacked to see Brock Lesnar come out, and to see him F-5 John Cena. Nobody left MetLife Stadium going, ‘Oh my god, they brought back Brock Lesnar.’”
—Paul Heyman
“People were just going f—king nuts. That’s our paying audience; they’re happy to see him. I’m happy to be a part of a team that presents him. Everyone has criticism in life. There are people that criticize Jesus, there are people that criticize Moses, there are people that criticize Muhammad, there are people that criticize God or Gods. There is no president that has ever existed with a 100% approval rating.”
—Paul Heyman
He concluded by underscoring that Brock Lesnar’s presence in WWE cannot be undone due to the enthusiastic fan response, which justifies WWE’s decision to bring him back.
“He’s going to be here and you ain’t gonna be able to cancel him. And I’m happy to have him back, because the audience is happy to have him back. If we brought him back and the audience rebelled against it, I wouldn’t be happy to have him back, I’d be like, Oh man, this doesn’t work. But it works. So I’m happy about it.”
—Paul Heyman
The Enduring Impact of Lesnar’s 2002 Victory and Current WWE Presence
Brock Lesnar’s win at WWE SummerSlam 2002 was a breakthrough moment that propelled his career into the spotlight, establishing his legacy as a wrestling powerhouse. The recent appearance of the original intro reinforces the careful buildup that WWE and Paul Heyman crafted around Lesnar’s persona as the “Next Big Thing.”
Lesnar’s ongoing presence in WWE, supported by passionate fans and key figures like Heyman, continues to influence the brand and its storylines. His return performances, such as the one at MetLife Stadium, demonstrate the lasting draw he has within professional wrestling, promising continued excitement and significant moments in future WWE events.
Steven Monroe is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the fast-paced world of WWE.
With two years of experience, he reports on match results, superstar rivalries, and behind-the-scenes developments across Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.
Steven delivers timely, detailed coverage that keeps wrestling fans informed and engaged with the ever-evolving world of sports entertainment.
His work combines accuracy, storytelling, and a deep understanding of professional wrestling culture.
